A fourth suspect linked to the killing of American marine biologist Kent Carpenter surrendered to authorities on Friday, bringing to four the number of individuals currently in police custody.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the suspect, who allegedly served as a lookout, surrendered to personnel of the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).
“A fourth suspect is now in our custody. He surrendered this morning…He surrendered to personnel of the PRO-NIR,” Co said.
Asked why the suspect decided to surrender, Co said the reason remains unclear but suggested that the individual may have been influenced by his conscience.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” Co said.
Two suspects identified by aliases “M.O.” and “J.F.” were earlier arrested on Wednesday, while another lookout identified as “C.D.” surrendered on Thursday.
A fifth suspect, identified as alias “Eden,” remains at large.
“As of now, there are five suspects (in the killing of Carpenter). Remember that we are still trying to locate one suspect, alias Eden,” Co said.
Police said the suspects were involved in the July 12 killing of Carpenter, a 73-year-old marine biologist, at his residence in Barangay Ajong, Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
Authorities earlier said three assailants, identified as “M.O.,” “C.D.,” and “Eden,” entered Carpenter’s home, with “M.O.” allegedly shooting the victim in the head.
Carpenter’s 34-year-old Filipina live-in partner was also injured after she was allegedly hogtied during the incident. Investigators are looking into her claim that she was sexually assaulted.
Police said the suspects took around ₱75,000 in cash, a laptop, and binoculars from the residence.
Co said police operations to locate and arrest alias “Eden” are continuing.
The PNP reiterated its appeal to individuals who may have information about Eden’s whereabouts to coordinate with authorities to help facilitate his immediate arrest.